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Larger than life

Clinton "Beebee" Bennett, who served as the building custodian first at Adams Junior High and later Campbell Elementary School, died last week at the age of 91.

For generations, many children growing up called him "Candy Man," because he always had some in his pocket, and he used it to engage children in conversations, to inspire them and make them curious.

More than anything, Bennett was an educator who perfected his own way of helping children learn the joy of discovery and the joy in reading and learning. That unique ability was not lost on school leaders and voters in the school district.

Bennett, always humble, served 13 years as a school board member. Perhaps more than anyone, he was the board member who best represented the children of the school district, always giving them a voice when the board faced important decisions.

Mr. Bennett lived a long life in service to his community. It was a good life.